Key Fashion Moments: Alexander McQueen’s Most Extravagant Shows

Dramatic, fantastical, controversial: Alexander McQueen’s extravagant runway shows have been some of the most influential in the fashion industry since he first entered it in the early 1990s. Up until his death in 2010, McQueen was known not only for the unique and imaginative silhouettes he designed, but also for his dramatic and innovative runway extravaganzas.

McQueen broke the mold and set the bar for his shows, using new technologies to create lavish, over-the-top performances. He used the catwalk not only to present his collections, but also to tell a story and get the audience thinking. Each of his shows was memorable and highly individual, pulling inspiration from history, fantasy and nature.

Not one to shy away from the shocking or the provocative, McQueen also had a reputation for controversy. This was exemplified in his iconic Spring/Summer 1999 show entitled “Savage Beauty,” one of many highlighted in this video, in which he had a lone model stand on a rotating platform as two robotic arms spray-painted the white dress she was wearing.

Despite his reputation, McQueen was honored for his work in the industry on multiple occasions, and undeniably left his mark on the fashion world. Watch the full video to not only hear McQueen describe himself in his own words, but also to see highlights from many of his remarkable shows.

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